Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
2Q3 i3~ ~?
COIN PROCESSING APP~RATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to coln processing
apparatus used in vending machines, money exchangers, service
devlces, etc., and adapted to separate and accommodate put-in
coins in accordance ~~ith denominations and pay out those
separated and accommodated coins as change.
2. Description of the Related Art
Generally, vendins machines, money exchangers, service
devices, etc., include a coin processing apparatus for
separating and accommodating put-in coins in accordance with
denominations and paYing out those coins as change.
Figure 17 is a decomposed perspective view of a
conventional coin processing apparatus 100.
This coin processing apparatus 100 is mainly comPosed of
three independent units, i.e., a coin payment unit 102
configured by a housing having a substantially n -shaped
sectional configuration and provided with a pay-out mechanism
101 at its lower portion for paying out change, a coin
accommodating unit 103 composed of coin tubes to be mounted
above the pay-out mechanism 101 of the coin payment unit 102
and, a coin selecting unit 104 to be mounted above the coin
accommodating unit 103.
~ mong these units constituting the coin processing
apparatus 100, the coin accommodating unit 103 and the coin
~og~ 392
selecting unlt 104 are arranged to be mounted withln the coln
payment unit 102 as shown by arrows when they are used. In
other words, the coin accommodating unit 103 and the coin
selectlng unlt 104 are formed separately from the coin payment
unit 102 and are conflgured to be detachably mounted to the
- coin payment unit 102.
~ hen a coin ls put lnto the coin processlng apparatus
100, the coln flrst enters lnto the coln selectlng unlt 104
and checked whether a genuine one or not, and lf lt ls a
genuine one, it is classified in accordance with its denomina-
tion. The genuine coin is then accommodated in accordance
with its denomination in the coin accommodating unit 103
disposed below the coin selecting unit 104. ~hen
denominations of change are determined, coins accommodated in
the coin accommodating unit 103 are paid out for an amount
corresponding to the sum of change from the lower portion of
the coin processing aPParatUs 100 by the coin payment
mechanism 101 formed at the lowermost position of the coin
payment unit 102.
Since the conventional coin processing apparatus 100 is
configured such that each of the units are separately provided
and the coin selecting unit 104 having a complicated
configuration is detachably mounted to the coin payment unit
102, the entire configuration of the coin processing apparatus
100 becomes extremelY complicated. Further, a large number of
mechanical and electrical parts (connectors, connecting
elements, etc.) for connecting the respective units
(particularly the coin selecting unit) to the coin payment
2D~1392
unit 102 are required and thus the manufacturing cost of the
entire coin Processins apparatus 100 becomes high.
According to the conventional coin processing apparatus
100 as described above, complicated coin paths for selection
of coins are formed in the coin selecting unit 104. Since
coins roll down along the coin paths, if liquid such as soft
drink or cleaning detergent is poured into a coin slot of a
vending machine, for examPle, the liquid will flow along the
uPPer surface of the coin Processins apparatus 100 and along
the coin paths of the coin selecting unit 104. When adhesive
liquid such as cleaning detergent flows through the coin Paths
in the coin selecting unit, it will adhere to selection units
such as coln separating levers disPosed in the coin Paths
~hereby the normal operation of such selection units is
hindered and hence the selecting function of the coin
processing apparatus 100 is deteriorated. When such adhesive
liquid adhering to the selection units is dried, the operation
of these selection units may be locked and the function of the
coin processing apparatus 100 itself may be stopPed. Further
the liquid may flow into the coin tubes which function as the
coin accommodating unit 103 and also into the coin payment
unit 102 causing short-circuit of electronic circuits and a
payment motor which results in a malfunction of the apparatus.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of such Problems, the present invention is made
to Provide a coin processing apparatus having a simple
structure with less parts.
2~91392
In order to achieve such object, according to the present
invention, a coin processing aPParatus comprises a coin
selectlng section for determinins whether put-in coins are
genulne or not and denominations of coins determined as
genulne and gulding false coins to a predetermlned coin path
assigned for the false coins and guiding the genuine coins to
respective predetermined coin paths assigned for the
respective denominations in accordance with the denominations,
a coln accommodating section for accommodating the genuine
coins selected by the coin selectins section separately for
the respective denominations, and a coin payment section for
paying out coins of denominations corresponding to an amount
of change from the coln accommodating section, in which the
coin payment section ls formed at a lower portion of a slngle
housing and the coln selectlng section ls formed by an lnner
wall face of the slngle houslng whlch ls Provided with a part
of the coln selectlng sectlon on the inner wall face thereof
and by a cover whlch is provided with another part of the coin
selecting section and which is adapted for covering the lnner
wall face of the single housing.
It is another object of the present invention to provide
a coin processing aPParatus which prevents liquid poured into
the coin slot from adhering to selection members disposed in
the apparatus.
In order to achieve the above object, the coin processing
apparatus includes a rib formed on an upper surface of the
housing which constitutes the main body of the coin processing
apparatus, for gulding the liquid to both sides of the
2091 392
housing, a guide groove having dams for guiding the liquid
which is formed on an inner wall face of the coin path
communicating with the coin slot of the coin selecting
section along a substantially vertically downward direction
of the coin slot, a liquid collector provided below the coin
path communicating with the coin slot for collecting the
liquid falling along the guide groove, and a discharge path
communicating with the liquid collector for discharging the
liquid collected in the liquid collector to the outside of
the coin selecting section.
In a broad aspect, therefore, the present invention
relates to a coin processing apparatus including a coin
selecting section having a coin slot, for determining
whether coins put in the coin slot are genuine or not and
denominations of coins determined as genuine and guiding
false coins to a predetermined coin path assigned for the
false coins and the genuine coins to corresponding
predetermined coin paths in accordance with the respective
denominations, a coin accommodating section for
accommodating the genuine coins selected by the coin
selecting section separately for the respective
denominations, and a coin payment section for paying out
coins having denominations corresponding to an amount of
change from the coin accommodating section, the coin
processing apparatus comprising: a rib formed on an upper
2091 392
surface of a single housing, for guiding liquid falling on
the upper surface of the housing to both sides of the
housing; a guide groove formed on an inner wall face of a
coin path communicating directly with the coin slot, for
guiding the liquid downward; a liquid collector provided
below the coin path communicating directly with the coin
slot, for collecting the liquid falling along the guide
groove; a tilted face formed between the upper surface of
the housing and the coin slot of the coin selecting section,
the tilted face being adapted for guiding the liquid falling
on the upper surface of the housing to the coin slot; a
discharge path communicating with the liquid collector for
discharging the liquid collected in the liquid collector to
the outside of the housing, whereby the liquid falling on
the upper surface of the housing is discharged to the both
sides of the housing by the rib and the liquid poured into
the coin slot is discharged to the outside of the housing
though the guide groove, the liquid collector and the
discharge path.
In another broad aspect, the present invention relates
to a coin processing apparatus including a coin selecting
section having a coin slot, for determining whether coins
put in the coin slot are genuine or false and denominations
of coins determined as genuine and guiding false coins to a
predetermined coin path assigned for the false coins and the
5(a)
. ~
209 1 392
genuine coins to corresponding predetermined coin paths in
accordance with the respective denominations, a coin
accommodating section for accommodating the genuine coins
selected by the coin selecting section separately for the
respective denominations, and a coin payment section for
paying out coins having denominations corresponding to an
amount of change from the coin accommodating section, the
coin processing apparatus comprising: a single housing
provided with the coin payment section at a lower portion
thereof and also provided with a part of the coin selecting
section on an inner wall face thereof; a cover for covering
the inner wall face of the housing, the cover being provided
with another part of the coin selecting section on a back
face thereof; a rib formed on an upper surface of the
housing, for guiding liquid falling on the upper surface of
the housing to both sides of the housing; a guide groove
formed on an inner wall face of a coin path communicating
directly with the coin slot, for guiding the liquid
downward; a liquid collector provided below the coin path
communicating directly with the coin slot, for collecting
the liquid falling along the guide groove; a tilted face
formed between the upper surface of the housing and the coin
slot of the coin selecting section, the tilted face being
adapted for guiding the liquid falling on the upper surface
of the housing to the coin slot; a discharge path
5(b)
209 1 392
communicating with the liquid collector for discharging the
liquid collected in the liquid collector to the outside of
the housing; whereby the liquid falling on the upper surface
of the housing is discharged to both sides of the housing by
the rib and the liquid poured into the coin slot is
discharged to the outside of the housing though the guide
groove, the liquid collector and the discharge path.
In still another broad aspect, the present invention
relates to a coin processing apparatus including a coin
selecting section having a coin slot, for determining
whether coins put in the coin slot are genuine or not and
denominations of coins determined as genuine and guiding
false coins to a predetermined coin path assigned for the
false coins and the genuine coins to corresponding
predetermined coin paths in accordance with the respective
denominations, a coin accommodating section for
accommodating the genuine coins selected by the coin
selecting section separately for the respective
denominations, and a coin payment section for paying out
coins having denominations corresponding to an amount of
change from the coin accommodating section, the coin
selecting section, the coin accommodating section and the
coin payment section being disposed in a single housing, the
coin processing apparatus comprising: a rib formed on an
upper surface of the single housing, for guiding liquid
5(c)
;, . i~
209 1 392
falling on the upper surface of the housing to both sides of
the housing; a guide groove formed on an inner wall face of
a coin path communicating directly with the coin slot, for
guiding the liquid downward; a liquid collector provided
below the coin path communicating directly with the coin
slot, for collecting the liquid falling along the guide
groove; a discharge path communicating with the liquid
collector for discharging the liquid collected in the liquid
collector to the outside of the housing; and a tilted face
formed between the upper surface of the housing and the coin
slot of the coin selecting section, the tilted face being
adapted for guiding the liquid falling on the upper surface
of the housing to the coin slot, whereby the liquid falling
on the upper surface of the housing is discharged to the
both sides of the housing by the rib and the liquid poured
into the coin slot is discharged to the outside of the
housing through the guide groove, the liquid collector and
the discharge path.
In yet another broad aspect, the present invention
relates to a coin processing apparatus including a coin
selecting section having a coin slot, for determining
whether coins put in the coin slot are genuine or false and
denominations of coins determined as genuine and guiding
false coins to a predetermined coin path assigned for the
false coins and the genuine coins to corresponding
5(d)
,~
2091 3~2
predetermined coin paths in accordance with the respective
denominations, a coin accommodating section for
accommodating the genuine coins selected by the coin
selecting section separately for the respective
denominations, and a coin payment section for paying out
coins having denominations corresponding to an amount of
change from the coin accommodating section, the coin
processing apparatus comprising: a single housing provided
with the coin payment section at a lower portion thereof and
also provided with part of the coin selecting section on an
inner wall face thereof; a cover for covering the inner wall
face of the housing, the cover being provided with another
part of the coin selecting section on a back face thereof;
a rib formed on an upper surface of the housing, for guiding
liquid falling on the upper surface of the housing to both
sides of the housing; a guide groove formed on an inner wall
face of a coin path communicating directly with the coin
slot, for guiding the liquid downward; a liquid collector
provided below the coin path communicating directly with the
coin slot, for collecting the liquid falling along the guide
groove; a discharge path communicating with the liquid
collector for discharging the liquid collected in the liquid
collector to the outside of the housing; and a tilted face
formed between the upper surface of the housing and the coin
slot of the coin selecting section, the tilted face being
5(e)
j
209 1 3~2
adapted for guiding the liquid falling on the upper surface
of the housing to the coin slot, whereby the liquid falling
on the upper surface of the housing is discharged to both
sides of the housing by the rib and the liquid poured into
the coin slot is discharged to the outside of the housing
through the guide groove, the liquid collector and the
discharge path.
Other objects and effects of the present invention will
be easily confirmed by the following detailed description
and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a coin processing
apparatus according to the present invention;
Fig. 2 is a decomposed side view of the coin processing
apparatus of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a cutaway fragmentary view of the essential
portion of a coin selecting sectlon;
Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along
the line M-M of Fig. 3;
Fig. 5 is a plan view of a housing;
Fig. 6 is a rear view of an essential portion of a gate
lever;
Fig. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along
the line N-N of Fig. 1;
5(f)
,~
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Fig. 8 is a front view of the coin processing apparatus
according to the present invention provided with a liquid
discharge tube attached to the side of the coin processing
apparatus;
Fig. 9 is a left side view of the coin processing
apparatus of Fig. 8;
Fig. 10 is a rear view of a shoot plate;
Fig. 11 is a concePtual view of the coin processing
apparatus which illustrates the coin selective oPeration of
the coin selecting section;
Fig. 12 is a conceptual view of the coin processing
apparatus which illustrates the coin selective oPeration of
the coin selecting section;
Fig. 13 is a conceptual view of the coin processing
aPParatus which illustrates the coin selective operation of
the coin selecting section;
Fig. 14 is a conceptual view of the coin processing
apparatus which illustrates the coin selective operation of
the coin selecting section;
~lg. 15 is a conceptual view of the coin processing
apparatus which illustrates the coin selective operation of
the coin selecting section;
Fig. 16 is a conceptual view of the coin processing
aPParatUs which illustrates the coin selective operation of
the coin selecting section; and
Fig. 17 is a schematic Perspective view of a conventional
coin processing apparatus.
~91392
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
One embodiment of a coin processing apparatus according
to the Present invention will be described in detail below.
Figs. 1 and 2 are a front view and a decomposed side
view, resPectivelY, of a coin processing apparatus 1 according
to the present invention.
The coin processing apparatus 1 is configured by a single
housing 2 having a substantially n -shaped sectional
configuration which constitutes a main bodY of the coin
processing apparatus. On the lower portion of the housing 2, a
coin payment section 3 is formed integrally with the housing 2
and on the upper portion of the housing 2, a coin selecting
section 5 is defined (formed) by the inner wall face of the
housing 2 having a Part of the coin selecting section on the
inner wall face thereof and by a cover having another part of
the coin selecting section on its back face and which is
adapted for covering the inner wall face of the housing 2.
Fur'her, z coin accommodating section L comPrisins coin tubes
is disposed at a position between a substantially center and
the lower portion of the housing 2.
As shown in Fig. 2, the main comPosing elements of the
coin processing aPParatus 1 are the housing 2, the coin
accommodating section 4 which comprises the coin tubes and
which is mounted at the position between the substantially
center and the lower portion of the housing 2, a shoot plate 6
which constitutes a part of the coin selecting section ~ and
which is one of the covers for covering the housing 2.
As shown in Fig. 3 which is a cutaway enlarged view of
~Q913!~2
the essential portion of the coin selecting section 5, a coin
slot 12 of the coin selecting section 5 formed on the upper
portion of the housing 2 is provided between a gate plate 11
which is the other one of the covers oPenably covering the
upper portion of the housing 2 and a main plate 10 which
constitutes the inner wall face of the housing 2. A first
tilted coin path 13 is formed substantially vertically under
the coin slot 12 such that it communicates with a lower end of
the coin slot 12 and rolls a coin (shown by a dot-dashed line)
put therein from the coin slot 12 toward rightward in Fig. 3.
The first coin path 13 is also formed between the gate plate
11 and the main plate 10.
A coil sensor 14 is disposed in the middle of the first
coin path 13 which determines whether the put-in coin is a
genuine one or not and determines the denomination of the coin
regarded as a genuine one during passage of the coin. The
coil sensor 14 includes an oscillating coil and a receiving
coil ~both are not shown) disPosed oPposite to each other with
a predetermined spacing therebetween for allowing the put-in
coin to pass through the spacing. The coil sensor 14 is
detachably mounted to the main Plate 10.
A pivot 15 of the gate Plate 11 which opens and closes
the coin slot 12 is provided tilted at an upper right corner
of the gate plate 11, as shown in Fig. 3. Thus, when a gate
lever 16 is turned to widen the space between the main plate
10 and the gate plate 11 when the put-in coin is clogged in
the first coin path 13, the gate Plate 11 is tilted to open to
thereby ensure a large opening/closing stroke L of a lower end
~091392
of the gate plate 11 so as to quickly discharge a coin clogged
in the coin slot 12 and the first coin Path 13 toward downward
of the first coin path 13, as shown in Fig. 4 which is a
conceptual view taken along the line M-M of Flg. 3.
On the housing 2, a rib 2c is extendingly formed
integrallY with the housing 2, as shown in Fig. 5 (in Fig.5,
the gate Plate 11 and the gate lever 16 shown in Fig. 3 are
omitted).
The rib 2c is formed on front and rear periPheral edges
of the upper surface 2a of the housing 2, and also formed to
surround a cable hole 2b formed on the upper surface 2a of the
housing 2. The rib 2c is not formed on the peripheral edges of
the both sides 2d and 2e of the housing 2. A plurallty of
tilted faces 2f are formed on the peripheral edge of the coin
slot 12, which extend into the coin slot 12.
The rib 2c formed on the upper surrace 2a of the housing
2 functions as a dam for guiding and discharging the liquid
fell on the upper surface 2a of the housing 2 to the outside
of the coin processing apparatus 1. As a result, the liquid
fell on the upper surface 2a and around the cable hole 2b is
guided along the rib 2c as shown by the arrows shown in Fig.
5, so that most of it flow toward the both sides 2d and 2e of
the housing 2 and part of it is guided into the coin slot 12
through the tilted faces 2f.
A plurality of guide grooves 20 are formed on the main
~late 10 whlch constitutes one of the members defining the
coin slot 12 shown in Fig. 3 for downwardly guiding the liquid
poured into the coin slot 12.
2~391~92
The guide ~rooves 20 are provided at predetermined
pitches on the main plate 10 which constitutes the inner wall
face of the coin slot 12. The guide grooves 20 include a
pluralitY of tilted fins (convexities) 21 and a plurality of
dams 22 vertically and downwardlY extending at predetermined
Pitches from the lower surfaces of the respective fins 21.
As shown in Fig. 6 which is a rear view of the essential
portion of the gate plate 11 which constitutes the other of
the members defining the coin slot 12, a plurality of guide
grooves 30 are formed on the gate plate 11 so that the guide
grooves 20 (Fig. 3) and the guide grooves 30 face with each
other. The guide grooves 30 are configured by a plurality of
fins (convexities) 31 formed vertically and downwardly along
the coin slot 12 and a plurality of tilted dams 32 formed
between adiacent fins 31. As shown in Fig. 6, a plurality of
fins (convexities) 34 are formed on the lower portion of the
gate Plate 11 to guide the liquid falling from the guide
groove 30 in the left portion of Fig. 6 toward the right
portion of Fig. 6. The reference numeral 35 in Fig. 6 denotes
a gate rail fixed to the gate plate 11, which constitutes a
~art of the first coin path 13 and has a pluralitY of slits 36
for guiding the falling liquid downwardly.
As shown in Fig. 3, a shoot 40 is integrally formed at a
lower portion of the main plate 10 and has a plurality of
elongated holes 41 formed at a predetermined pitch. A
plurality of protruslons 42 vertically and downwardly
extending from a lower end of the shoot 40 are provided. The
leading edges of the plurality of Protrusions 42 extend toward
1 0
2091392
a liquid collector S0 disposed below the coin slot 12.
As shown in Fig. 7 which is an enlarged cross-sectional
view taken along the line N-N of Fig. 1, the liquid collector
50 includes a box 51 having an open upper end, a hole 52 for
discharging the collected liquid therethrough and a pipe 53
which communicates with the hole 52. The hole 52 and the pipe
53 are provided at the left side (Fig. 3) of the box 51 and
integrallY formed to constitute a discharge Path. As shown in
Fig. 2, the PiPe 53 extends through the hole 2g formed on one
side 2e of the housing 2 to the outside of the housing 2.
Discharge of the liquid using the rib 2c and the tilted
faces 2f formed on the upper surface 2a of the housing 2 shown
in Fig. 5 and the liquid guide grooves 20 and 30 formed below
the coin slot 12 shown in Figs. 3 and 6 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 5, the liquid such as cleaning detergent
fell on the upper surface 2a and around the cable hole 2b of
the housing 2 is guided along the rib 2c as shown bY the
arrows and the most of which is guided toward the both sides
2d and 2e of the housing 2 and discharged. The cable hole 2b
itself is choked by a bundle of cables which are not shown.
Part of the liquid fell on the upper surface 2a of the housing
2 is guided into the coin slot 12 through the tilted faces 2f.
As shown by the arrows in Fig. 7, the liquid guided into
the coin slot 12 through the tilted faces 2f and liquid F
directly poured into the coin slot 12 are guided through the
path between the plurality of fins 21 formed on the main plate
10 and the plurality of fins 31 formed on the gate plate 11
and fall downward from the coin slot 12. At that time, the
2091392
flow of the liquid F is intercepted by the respective dams 22
and 32 formed on the main plate 10 and the gate plate 11 while
falling whereby a rapid fall of the liquid is prevented.
The liquid F guided through the path between the fins 21
formed on the main plate 10 and the fins 31 formed on the gate
plate 11 is then guided to the elongated hole 41 in the shoot
40 and its vicinity and collected in the box 51 constitutin~
the liquid collector 50. Since the liquid F falls into the
box 51 while being intercepted by the dams 22 and 32, as
mentioned above, a large amount of the liquid F does not
rapidly fall into the box 51 and thus the collected liquld
does not overflow from the box 51 and does not adhere to the
vicinity of the box 51. The liquid F falling into the box 51
is ra~idly discharged to the outside of the housing 2 through
the dlscharse path constituted by the Pipe 53 communicating
with the hole 52 from the left side of the housing 2 shown in
Fig. 2, as shown by the arrow F in Fig. 3.
Thus, according to the coin selecting section 5 mentioned
above, even if adhesive liquid such as cleaning detergent is
poured onto the upper surface 2a (Fig. 5) of the housing 2 or
poured into the coin slot 12, the liquid is discharged by the
rib 2c to the outside of the housing 2 via the both sides 2d
and 2e of the housing 2 and is also rapidly discharged through
the liquid collector 50 disPosed at the lower end of the coin
slot 12 to the outside of the housing 2 of the coin Processing
apparatus 1. Therefore, no liquid adheres to various
selection members disposed inside of the housing 2 and inside
of the coin selecting section 5 and thus the function of the
12
2~139~
selection sections is not deteriorated.
By disPosins on the left side of the housing 2 a tube 54
which communicates with the pipe 53 of the liquid collector 50
as shown in Figs. 8 and 9 which show the front and left side
of the coin processing aPparatUs 1 where the same reference
numerals are used to denote the same elements as that ln Fig.
1, the liquid F discharged through the pipe 53 from the liquid
collector 50 is rapidly discharged through the tube 54 to the
outside of a device, such as an automatic vending machine,
which incorporates the coin processing apparatus 1. A
reference numeral 55 in Fis. 9 denotes a fastener which
secures the tube 54 to the side of the housing 2.
The coin selecting function of the coin selectlng sectlon
5 mentioned above and its structure will be described below in
more detail.
Fig. 11 is a conceptual view of the coln processing
apparatus 1 used for simplY explaining the coin selecting
function of the coin selecting section 5. The same numerals
ir. Fig. 11 and Figs. 1 to 10 denote the same elements. In
Flg. 11, illustration of the liquid discharge mechanism, such
as, the liquid guide grooves 20 and 30 shown in Figs. 3 to 7
is omitted.
The coin selecting section 5 selects four kinds of coins
(genuine coins) ~, B, C and D having different diameters and
false coins. The diameter of the coin A is set to be maximum
and the diameters of the coins B, C and D are set to be
smaller in this order than the diameter of the coin A, that
is, the diameters are set to be A > B > C > D.
~9~3~
The flrst coin path 13 ls formed tilted rightward in Fig.
11 immediatelY below the coin slot 12 in the coin selecting
section S, and the coil sensor 14 is provided halfway through
the first coin path 13 so as to determine whether the coln is
a genuine coin, and the denomination of the coin if the coin
is a genuine one.
A first lever 60 is provided at the terminal end of the
first coin path 13 to separate genuine coins from false coins
and to guide them to corresponding separate coin paths. The
first lever 60 is a lever of the type which is opened and
closed at the upper end in a direction perpendicular to the
plane of Fig. 11 about a lower end thereof. By the first
lever 60, the first coin path 13 is caused to communicate at
the terminal end with a second coin path 61 which guides only
ralse coins or with a third coin path 62 which guides only
genuine coins. The first lever 60 is usually closed at the
upper end and, when operated, opens at the upper end for a
predetermined rotational angle.
Provided halfway through the third coin path 62 is a
second lever 63 by which a group of genuine coins A, B, C and
D guided to the third coin path 62 is separate'd into the coin
A having the maximum diameter and a group of coins B, C and D
having diameters smaller than the diameter of the coin A.
The third coin path 62 is caused by the second lever 63
to communicate with a fourth coin Path 64 formed on the
innermost side of the inner wall face of the housing 2 and
which guides the coin A only, or a fifth coin path 65 formed
tilted leftward in Fig. 11 and which guides the group of coins
~091392
B, C and D other than the coin A. The second lever 63 is also
of the type which is opened and closed at the upper end in a
direction perpendlcular to the plane of Fig. 11 about the
lower end thereof as same wlth the first lever 60. The second
lever 63 is usuallY opened at its upper end for a
predetermined rotational angle and, when operated, closes at
the upper end.
Disposed in the fifth coin Path 65 are first and second
rail-type coin selection means 66 and 67 which select rolling
coins B, C and D in accordance with their diameters. The
fifth coin path 65 is caused to communicate at a middle Point
by the first rail-tYPe coin selection means 66 with a sixth
coin path 68 while the downstream of the fifth coin path 65 is
caused to communicate by the second rail-type coin selection
means 67 with seventh or eighth coin paths 69 or 70.
The first and second rail-type coin selection means 66
and 67 include rectangular windows 71 and 72, respectively,
provided on the side wall of the fifth coin path 65 (more
particularly, on the side wall of the shoot plate 6 as shown
in Fig. 10) and a convexitY 73 (shown by dot-dashed line, more
particularly, on the inner wall face of the housing) which
pushes down coins rolling in the fifth coin path 65 toward the
windows 71 and 72. The height H1 of the window 71
constituting a part of the first rail-type coin selection
means 66 is slightlY larger than the diameter of the coin D
having the smallest diameter among the coins B, C and D and
smaller than the diameter of the coin C which is the next
smallest. The height H2 of the window 72 constituting a part
2091392
of the second rail-type coin selection means 67 is slightly
larger than the diameter of the coin C and smaller than the
diameter of the coin B.
Therefore, when the coins B, C and D which have
decreasing diameters in this order (B > C > D) are guided into
the fifth coin Path 65, the coins B, C and D are Pushed down
bY the conVexitY 73 against the windows 71 and 72 while
rolling. At this time, since the diameters of the coins B and
C are larger than the height H1 of the window 71, those coins
pass by the window 71 while since the diameter of the coin D
is smaller than the height Hl, the coin D is tilted into the
window 71 while changing its posture and falls into the sixth
coin path 68 formed below the window 71. When the coins B and
C are passing by the window 72, the coin B passes by the
window 72 because the diameter of the coin B is larger than
the height H2 of the window 72 while since the diameter of the
coin C is smaller than the height H2 of the window 72, the
coin C is tilted into the window 72 while changing its posture
and falls into the seventh coin path 69 formed below the
window 72. The coin B having the maximum diameter among the
coins B, C and D guided into the fifth coin path 65 passes by
the windows 71 and 72 and falls into the eighth coin path 70
communicating with the lower end of the fifth coin path 65.
The respective elements having the coin selecting
function, which are the second coin Path 61, the third coin
path 62, the fifth coin path 65, the sixth coin path 68, the
seventh coin path 69, the eighth coin Path 70, the first and
second rail-tyPe coin selecting means 66 and 67, and the
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2~913g2
windows 71 and 72, are formed on the back side of the shoot
plate 6 which covers the uPPer portlon of the housing 2, as
seen from the rear view of the shoot Plate 6 shown in Fig. 10.
As shown in Fig. 1, when the shoot plate 6 is mounted on the
predetermined position of the housing 2, the respective coin
selecting elements are formed on the inner wall face of the
housing 2 and the shoot plate 6 which is the cover covering
the inner wall face of the housing 2.
The selective operation of the coin selecting section 5
will now be described in more detail.
In Figs. 12 and 11, the same elements are identified with
the same reference numerals. In Fig. 12, when the coin G put
into the coin slot 12 is determined as a false one on the
basis of a detecticn signal from the coil sensor 14, the first
lever 60, in response to the detection signal, maintains its
initial position at which the upstream portion of the second
coin path 61 is opened and simultaneously the upstream portion
of the third coin path 62 is closed (i.e., the first lever 60
is initiallY closed). In resPonse, the false coin G rolling
in the first coin path 13 is suided by the first lever 60 into
the second coin path 61 and further returned to the coin
return outlet (not shown) through a false coin discharge shoot
80 formed on the left side of the housing 2 of the coin
processing apparatus 1.
In Figs. 13 and 11, the same elements are identified with
the same reference numerals. In Fig. 13, when a coin ls put
into the coin slot 12 and determined as the coin A on the
basis of a detection signal from the coil sensor 14, the first
~gl3g2
lever 60 is actuated (i.e., the upper end of the first lever
60 is opened for the Predetermined angle) on the basis of the
detection signal so as to close the upstream portion of the
second coin path 61 and simultaneously to open the upstream
portion of the third coin path 62. The second lever 63, on
the basis of the detection signal from the coil sensor 14,
maintains its initial position at which the upstream portion
of the fifth coin path 65 is closed and the upstream portion
of the fourth coin path 64 is opened (i.e., the upper portion
of the second lever 63 is initially opened for the
predetermined angle).
The coin A rolling in the first coin path 13 is then
guided by the first lever 60 into the third coin path 62, then
into the fourth coin path 64 formed on the innermost side of
the inner wall face of the housing 2 by the second lever 63
and finallY accommodated in a cash box (not shown).
In Figs. 14 and 11, the same elements are identified with
the same reference numerals. In Fig. 14, when a coin is put
into the coin slot 12 and determined as the coin B on the
basis of a detection signal from the coil sensor 14, the first
lever 60 is actuated to opened on the basis of the detection
signal so as to close the upstream portion of the second coin
path 61 znd simultaneously to open the upstream portion of the
third coin path 62. The second lever 63 ls also actuated
(i.e., the second lever 63 being in its initial position is
closed) on the basis of the detection signal from the coil
sensor 14 so as to open the upstream Portion of the fifth coin
path 65 and to close the upstream portion of the fourth coin
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2Q91392
path 64. The coin B rolling ln the first coin path 13 is then
guided by the first lever 60 into the third coin Path 62, and
then into the fifth coin path 65 by the second lever 63.
The coin B then passes by the windows 71 and 72 which
constitute the first and second rail type coin selection means
66 and 67, respectively, falls within the eighth coin path 70
fGrmed at the end of the fifth coin path 65 and is stored in
the coin tube 81 of the coin accommodating section 4 disPosed
at the lower end of the eighth coin path 70.
In Figs. 15 and 11, the same elements are identified with
the same reference numerals. In Fig. 15, when a coin is put
into the coin slot 12 and determined as the coin C on the
basis of a detection signal from the coil sensor 14, the first
lever 60 is actuated to open on the basis of the detection
signal so as to close the upstream portion of second coin path
61 and simultaneously to oPen the upstream portion of the
third coin Path 62. The second lever 63 is also actuated to
close on the basis of the detection signal from the coil
sensor 14 so as to open the upstream Portion of the fifth coin
path 65 and to close the upstream portion of the fourth coin
path 64. The coin C rolling in the first coin path 13 is then
guided by the first lever 60 into the third coin path 62, and
then into the fifth coin path 65 by the second lever 63.
The coin C then passes bY the window 71 which constitutes
the first rail-tyPe coin selection means 66, tilts into the
window 72 which constitutes the second rail-tYpe coin
selection means 67 since the coin C is smaller in diameter
than the height H2 of the window 72, while changing its
1 9
2091392
posture, falls into the seventh coin path 69 formed below the
window 72, and is stored in the coln tube 82 of the coin
accommodating section 4 disposed at the lower end of the
seventh coin path 69.
In Figs. 16 and 11, the same elements are identified with
the same reference numerals. In Fig. 16, when a coin is put
into the coin slot 12 and determined as the coin D on the
basis of a detection signal from the coil sensor 14, the first
lever 60 is actuated to open on the basis of the detection
signal so as to close the upstream portion of the second coin
path 61 and simultaneously to open the upstream portion of the
thlrd coin path 62. The second lever 63 is also actuated to
close on the basis of the detection signal from the coil
sensor 14 so as to open the upstream portion of the fifth coin
path 65 and simultaneously to close the upstream portion of
the fourth coin Path 64. The coin D rolling in the first coin
path 13 is then guided by the first lever 60 lnto the third
coin Path 62, and then into the fifth coin path 65 by the
second lever 63.
~hen the coin D enters the first rail type coin selection
means 66, it tilts into the window 71 since the coin D is
smaller in diameter than the height H1 of the window 71, while
changing its posture, falls into the sixth coin path 68 formed
below the window 71, and is stored in the coin tube 83 of the
coin accommodatlng section 4 disposed at the lower end of the
sixth coin path 68.
~hile in the above embodiments the genuine coins are
illustrated as four kinds of coins A, B, C and D only
;~gl39~
different in diameter, the coin A is preferably a coin of the
maximum denomination amons the usable genuine coins since the
coin A is accommodated through the fourth coin path 64 into
the cash box (not shown).
The respective coins B, C and D selected by the coin
selecting section 5, piled and accommodated in the respective
coin tubes 81, 82 and 83 of the coin accommodating section 4
are paid out as change by a well-known payment unit
constituting the coin payment section 3 such as, for example,
a pay-out slider or a pay-out plunger from the lower end of
the housing 2 of the coin processing apparatus 1 to the coin
return outlet (not shown).
As described above, according to the coin Processing
2pparatus 1 of the present invention, since the coin selecting
section 5 is defined by the inner wall face of the housing 2
which constitutes the main body and by the cover (i.e., the
gate ~late 11 and the shoot Plate 6) which covers the inner
wall face of the housing 2 and the coin payment section 3 is
integrally formed with the housing 2 on the lower portion of
the housing 2, the composing elements required in the
conventional apparatus, such as housings for resPectivelY
accommodating the coin selecting unit and the coin
accommodating unit as independent parts and mechanical and
electrical connecting parts necessary for detachably mounting
the coin selecting unit to the coin payment unit are not
required. Thus, not only the structure of the apparatus is
simplified but also the number of parts are reduced whereby 2
cheeper coin processing apparatus can be provided.
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Further, according to the coin processing apparatus of
the present inventlon, since the rib 2c for guiding the liquid
fell on the upper surface of the housing 2 to the both sides
2d and 2e of the housing 2 is formed on the upper surface of
the housing 2 and also the liquid poured into the coin slot 12
of the coin selecting sectlon 5 is rapidly dlscharged through
the guide grooves 20 and 30, the collector 50 and the
discharge path to the outside of the hosing 2, even if
adhesive liquid such as cleaning detergent is poured into the
coin slot of the device such as the vending machine, it does
not adhere to the various elements disposed within the coin
processing apparatus 1. Therefore, the coin processing
apparatus can be effectively protected from wicked mischief
such as pouring in liquid and thus the deterioration in the
functions of the coin processing apparatus can be prevented.
The present invention is Practicable in various forms
without departing from the spirit or main features of the
present invention. Therefore, the above embodiments should be
described only for illustrative purposes and should not be
restrictedly construed. The scope of the present invention is
shown only by the attached claims and should not be bound by
the specification text. Changes and modifications within the
equivalent scope of the claims are contemplated as falling
within the scope of the invention.
